Thursday, March 18, 2010

UPPER( 'dba' )

I'm tired of understanding enough to know how frustrating it is to not be able to speak to certain topics. I have discussions where I know (or believe) something is not right, but I lack the ability to articulate the reason. That blows. I don't like being in that position...at all.

I want to be a real DBA now.
UPPER( 'dba' );
Since I am working with OBIEE right now, and I want to continue with that, I have to choose an alternate method to become a DBA. Reading and studying (which I already do), will not suffice.

I have no incentive, other than my natural drive. That hasn't been enough though. I can't apply it on a daily basis and continue to work as I do.

So I've decided to go the certification route. Now, there are many problems with certification and it seems to be watered down. I have met my fair share of those holding certain certifications who couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. My reason for choosing certification is that it will push me to follow through with the training and give me a specific path towards that goal.

I believe I started down that path when I first got into IT, but I failed the first DBA test...barely. Then, it was pretty much rote memorization...now, with 7 more years of experience under my belt, it should be a lot easier as I have a better understanding of most of the underlying concepts.

Anyone out there taken a similar path? Or were you just thrown into the fire? I would prefer the fire, but I have chosen my path (OBIEE) for now.
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7 comments:

  1. effendiMarch 19, 2010 at 4:33 PM

    I think it's a good way to get a good understanding of DBA stuff. By no means do they make you an expert, but they give you a good understanding of best practices and new features between versions.

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  2. oraclenerdMarch 19, 2010 at 10:14 PM

    Agreed.

    I know, or understand, that I will not get the daily, practical experience, what I am hoping for is to attain a solid foundation of the concepts and be able to grow from there.

    I think I could replace certification with a junior/mid-level DBA job with the right mentor in place...the added benefit of that is all the real world practice. Alas, it's not meant to be (just yet anyway).

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  3. NoonsMarch 21, 2010 at 7:21 PM

    You're doing the right thing, Chet.
    OCP is the way to go for anyone starting on upper('dba') nowadays.

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  4. oraclenerdMarch 21, 2010 at 9:09 PM

    Thanks Noons.

    I wish I could find a good mentor that would take me under their wing, but it's not to be just yet. I had this guy for awhile, and that was fun, but I'd like to stay in one job for more than a year again. :)

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  5. icarusMarch 22, 2010 at 3:15 PM

    Hi,

    I'm new to your blog but it's been really helpful on my way to obtaining OCP.

    I've passed the 051 and am now studying for 052.

    Regarding your post, I think both paths have advantages and a mix between them is probably the best way to go. And from what I gather, that's your situation, right? You have a job and now you're planning on taking the certification, which is great!

    There are things we only learn through personal experience and others require a more thorough study.

    I guess the goal is to get the most out of each path.

    Thanks again for the valuable info you convey on your blog and good luck to you!

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  6. DomBrooksMarch 24, 2010 at 6:19 AM

    In addition to the OCP study, which is a good move, you might be interested in Chen's dba practice group (although I admit that I signed up but I just haven't had the time to follow it).

    http://prodlife.wordpress.com/2010/02/10/deliberate-practice/

    February was AWK, March is Data Guard.

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  7. oraclenerdMarch 24, 2010 at 10:11 AM

    @dom

    I had been meaning to post something on it. I loved her idea of pulling in other people to "help" or just experience the same pain. :)

    There was a small taste of that here with the EBS Install Challenge...but I liked Chen's approach a bit better.

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